Beginner's
Whitewater Kayaking Course
Outdoor Action Newsletter |
September - November 2001 |
| Activities | Training |
|
Resources |
The Outdoor Action Program (OA) is Princeton University's outdoor experiential education program. We offer trips and courses throughout the academic year to Princeton undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff in many different outdoor activities. All OA trips are led by students who have gone through an extensive Leader Training Program. If you are interested in becoming an OA Leader, see below for details and schedules.
OA Office: 330 Alexander Road, 8-3552
OA Equipment Room: 48 University Place, 8-6417
OA Web Site: www.princeton.edu/~oa/
This newsletter is published twice each semester to provide information about Outdoor Action's upcoming trips and programs. The Outdoor Action Program (OA) is Princeton University's outdoor experiential education program administered by the Princeton-Blairstown Center. For more details on OA activities see the OA Web Site.
How Do I Sign up for a Trip?Sign-ups for trips will begin on Monday, September 17. All OA trip and activity sign ups are done through our Web Server online signup program. Payment for trips is due in advance, and will be charged to your University account. If you have any questions, please call the OA Office. OA Tripstore Sign-ups: https://oa.princeton.edu/tripstore/ |
Interested in getting involved in Outdoor Action (OA), but not sure where to begin? Interested in learning more about the Leadership Training Program or other OA courses and trips? Join us at our fall Open House in the Multipurpose room of the Frist Campus Center. Leaders and OA Staff will be present to answer questions and share information about Outdoor Action activities.
Wednesday, 9/19, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Multipurpose Room Frist Center
Beginner's
Whitewater Kayaking Course If you are interested in learning how to kayak, whether for gentle cruises on a lake or challenging whitewater, then this is the course for you. OA is offering a comprehensive 2-week kayaking course. You don't need any prior experience to take this course. We begin with basic flatwater and stroke skills on Lake Carnegie and then move to moving water and easy whitewater maneuvers like Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, and Ferries. All equipment will be provided by OA. Course fee: Students $75, Faculty/Staff $100, OA leaders $45. The course will meet on the following dates: Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Dillon Pool: Sunday, 9/23, 7:00 - 9 :00 p.m.
Lake Carnegie: Tuesday, 9/25, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Lake Carnegie: Thursday, 9/27, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Local River: Tuesday, 10/2, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Local River: Thursday, 10/4, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Day Trip: Saturday, 10/6, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
If you are interested in learning to rock climb, then this 2-week course will teach you all the essential techniques of climbing, including tying in, belaying and specific climbing techniques like weight shifting, stemming, and laybacks. The course will meet at OA's indoor Climbing Wall in the Armory. There will also be a field trip to the cliffs at Ralph Stover State Park to practice all that you have learned at a real rock climbing site. Course fee: Students $70, faculty/staff $95. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Monday, 9/24, 8 - 10 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/26, 8 - 10 p.m.
Monday, 10/1, 8 - 10 p.m.
Wednesday, 10/3, 8 - 10 p.m.
Outdoor Day Trip: Sunday 10/7, 9 - 5 p.m.
Once you have become comfortable with basic climbing techniques, the next step is to learn the technical skills of setting up ropes and anchoring systems so you can climb outdoors on your own. The course will focus on learning to set up safe systems for top rope climbing in the outdoors. Topics include use of trees and boulders as anchors, anchor-building technique, equipment, site management, and safety. The course will also emphasize teaching climbing to beginners, guidebook interpretation, and climbing ethics. This course is a requirement for anyone interested in leading a rock climbing OA Trips. Classes will meet at OA's indoor Climbing Wall in the Armory. There will also be several field classes to a local climbign area to practice setting up real top rope climbs. Course fee: Students $70, Faculty/Staff $95, OA Leaders $40. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Climbing Wall: Tuesday, 10/2, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Climbing Wall: Friday, 10/5, 3 - 6 p.m.
Climbing Wall: Tuesday, 10/9, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Ralph Stover State Park: Friday, 10/12, 12 - 6 p.m.
Climbing Wall: Tuesday, 10/16, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Ralph Stover State Park: Friday, 10/19, 12 - 6 p.m.
Rain Date: Saturday, 10/20, 12 - 6 p.m.
Rock
Climbing Day Trip Rock Climbing provides an opportunity to challenge yourself both physically and mentally as you work your way up a rock face. We are offering a day trip to a Ralph Stover State Park in Pennsylvania that offers both beginning and intermediate level climbing routes. You'll learn the basic techniques of rock climbing including tieing in, how to belay, and climbing techniques like weight shifts, using your legs, etc. This is an ideal trip for beginners and experienced climbers alike. All equipment will be provided by OA. Trip Fee: Students $15, Faculty/Staff $20. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Saturday, 9/29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The
Climbing Wall is an indoor rock climbing practice facility located in the Armory
next to Jadwin Gym. Climbers of all abilities are welcome. Experienced instructors
are on hand to teach skills and assist in solving particular climbing routes.
The Climbing Wall is open only to students, faculty, and staff of Princeton
University. PUID required. Children of members of the University community may
climb with a parent present. The Climbing Wall is open throughout the academic
year except during breaks and final exams.
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
• Day Pass: $3 students, $5 faculty/staff
• Half-semester Pass: $20 students, $27 faculty/staff
• Equipment Rental: $1 for harness, $1 for climbing shoes
Passes can be purchased at the Climbing Wall. You must have your University ID.
New Climbers can climb free for the first visit! Climbers of all abilities are welcome. Only individuals who have passed the belaying course are eligible to belay at the Wall. OA offers free belaying classes for new climbers to give you instruction on how to properly tie-in and belay. Classes are offered during all regular Wall hours.
If you want a fun group building activity for your organization or group, schedule a night at the Wall. Contact the OA Office for details.
The Delaware River offers beautiful flatwater canoeing in the fall through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. This day trip will explore the river and the wonderful fall colors along the river. No previous canoeing experience is required. Trip fee: students $10, faculty/staff $15. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Saturday, 10/6, 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Each year Outdoor Action sponsors a special community service hikathon. This
year funds will be donated to the American Red Cross for disaster relief for
New York. You can join us for a fun hike, bike, or run on the Delaware &
Raritan Canal towpath next to Lake Carnegie. There are 3 routes available—
3.1 miles, 7.6 miles, or 9.4 miles. This is a great way to explore the towpath,
have a fun hike with friends, and benefit disaster relief. The Hike will start
on the south
lawn of the Frist Campus Center. There is a $5.00 entry fee which can be made
in cash or check payable to the Red Cross. Payment is due at the hikathon registration
on Saturday. Co-sponsored with the Student Volunteers Council. All proceeds
go to the Red Cross. The hike will depart from the south lawn of Frist Campus
Center. We encourage you to check in at the times listed below based on how
far you are planning to hike.
Saturday, 10/13, 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Departure Times
| Hiking Mileage | Check-in Time |
| 9.4 - Princeton to Rocky Hill and back | 10:00 AM |
| 7.6 - Princeton to Kingston and back | 10:20 AM |
| 3.1 - Princeton to the Aqueduct and back | 10:40 AM |
In mid-October the trees are blazing with colors in southern New York. Join us for a day hike through beautiful forested trails of Harriman State Park. During the Ice Age, glaciers plowed through the hills of this area scraping away debris and loose rock and creating a series of glacial lakes.. The mountain tops of Harriman are rocky and exposed which allows for spectacular views including the fall colors along the Hudson River. Trip fee: students $10.00, faculty/staff $15.00. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Sunday, 10/14, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Southeast Asia has some tremendous rock climbing. Josh Morris `99 is currently living in Thailand and working at one of the major climbing walls there. Josh will be doing a talk about climbing and his cultural experiences living in this wonderful part of the world on Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30 PM in Frist 302. Co-sponsored by Outdoor Action and Princeton-in-Asia.
Fall
Backpacking Trips The autumn color views from the summits of the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia are spectacular. There will be two 4-day backpacking trips to the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park over fall break. Discover the excitement of living in the woods and hiking along beautiful ridges and beside winding streams. The sensation of carrying everything you need on your back can be incredibly satisfying, particularly when you can share the experience with a group of friends. Each trip will cover 4-8 miles of hiking each day. You'll learn all the basic skills for backcountry travel and camping including route finding, equipment use, and Leave No Trace camping. Equipment, transportation, and food will be provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip fee: Students $95, Faculty/Staff $120. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Trip I - Pre-trip preparation: Saturday, 10/27
Trip I: Sunday, 10/28 - Wednesday, 10/31
Trip II - Pre-trip preparation: Wednesday, 10/31
Trip II: Thursday, 11/1 - Sunday, 11/4
Outdoor Action is offering a Women's Backpacking trip to the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania. This trip offers an opportunity to learn the basics of backcountry camping in one of the beautiful forest areas of the east coast. We will travel approximately 5-8 miles each day. This is trip offers the opportunity to explore the outdoors and get to know other women at Princeton in a setting outside of the classroom. (See the trip description above). Equipment, transportation, and food will be provided by OA. Trip co-sponsored by the Organization of Women Leaders (OWL). Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip Fee: $95. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Pre-trip preparation: Saturday, 10/27
Trip: Sunday, 10/28 - Wednesday, 10/31
Sand dunes, sea birds, bayside marshes, and surf are just part of the special environment of the Atlantic barrier islands. This four-day canoeing trip to Assateague National Seashore will follow the Chincoteague Bay canoe route to various wilderness campsites on the protected bay side of the island. A short hike across the dunes and you'll be looking out into the Atlantic Ocean. There will be time to play in the dunes, hike, swim, and see the wild horses of Assateague and Chincoteague. You'll learn the basic skills for backcountry travel and canoe camping. All equipment will be provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip fee: students $95, faculty/staff $120. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Pre-trip preparation: Saturday, 10/27
Trip: Sunday, 10/28 - Wednesday, 10/31
Outdoor Action is offering an all Graduate Student Backpacking trip to one of the beautiful forests of the east coast. We will travel approximately 5-8 miles each day at a leisurely pace. This is a great opportunity to get to know other Graduate Students and to spend some time in the outdoors (See the trip description above). Equipment, transportation, and food will be provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip Fee: $95. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Pre-trip preparation: Wednesday, 10/31
Trip: Thursday, 11/1 - Sunday, 11/4
The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area consists of 150,000 acres of national forest land located in the mountains of southern Virginia. It contains the state's highest peak, Mt. Roger's at 5,279 feet and hundreds of miles of trail including the Appalachian Trail. This special Alternative Break program is sponsored by the Student Conservation Association. You'll be involved in a variety of trail maintenance activities such things as installing water bars on trails to divert water runoff, removing brush, and establishing trail routes. No previous trail maintenance experience is required just an ability to live and work as part of a team, follow directions and adhere to safe working practices. The lodging arrangement is in small tent-cabins (two people per tent) in a central camp area. The camp is equipped with a communal kitchen, showers, a recreation room, pool table and VCR. There will be opportunities to hike on some of the beautiful trails while you are in the park. Be prepared to work hard and enjoy the satisfaction a maintaining this beautiful area. All equipment will be provided by OA. Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 12. Trip fee: students $125, faculty/staff $150. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Pre-trip preparation: Saturday, 10/27
Trip: Sunday, 10/28 - Sunday, 11/4
Interested in leading a Frosh Trip for the Class of 2006? Complete your Leader Training this fall! OA's Leader Training Program is considered one of the most comprehensive in the nation and has been used as a model by schools across the country. In the Leader Training Program participants develop skills in leadership, group facilitation, safety, first aid, and valuable wilderness travel skills. Don't consider yourself outdoorsy? You don't need to have any previous outdoor experience to become an OA Leader. We provide all the training you need to learn to lead and facilitate groups in the outdoors. We are looking for a diverse group of students who can provide leadership for incoming frosh. Upon completion of the program, participants are eligible to apply to lead OA trips.
The five components of Leader Training are listed below. The first four components can be taken at any time but must be completed before participating in the Leader Training Course (LTC); some participants prefer to take all of them at once (in Fast Track format) and some prefer to spread it out over a few semesters. The LTC is offered during Fall Break, Spring Break and after exams in May each year. See the Fall Leader Training Schedule to find out when each component will next be offered.
HEART (Health Education and Rescue Training) Wilderness First Aid is an intensive course that covers patient examination and evaluation, body systems and anatomy, wound care, splinting, environmental emergencies, and backcountry medicine. Hands-on simulations provide first-hand training in treating patients. This is an excellent course taught by experienced Wilderness First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians and is highly recommended to all wilderness travelers. Adult CPR certification by American Red Cross Instructors is included. This class fulfills the First Aid requirement for OA Leader Training. Course fee: $89 leaders-in-training, $100 students, $120 faculty/staff. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Facilitating positive group interaction and teamwork requires excellent listening and observation skills and a set of activities and techniques to guide people through personal growth and development. This workshop will train OA leaders and others who work with groups in specific techniques for effective group facilitation. This is a hands-on, experiential workshop. Be prepared to have fun! Sign up at the OA TripStore.
One of the greatest challenges of being a group leader is learning how to lead and motivate a group, and how to use group experiences to promote self-exploration and learning. This workshop is designed to teach OA leaders and others how to effectively lead groups. This is a hands-on, experiential based workshop so be prepared to be active. You must have completed the Facilitators Workshop previously in order to attend. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
This seminar is designed to make all wilderness travelers familiar with the causes of accidents in the wilderness, how to prevent accidents through effective pre-trip planning, how to identify risks in the field, and how to increase your margin of safety. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Leading a group on a backcountry trip requires extensive training in wilderness camping skills. The Leader Training Course (LTC) is designed to teach all the wilderness skills necessary to lead multi-day backpacking trips, including route planning, equipment preparation, wilderness travel techniques, map and compass, outdoor cooking, and minimal impact camping. The course includes 10 hours of pre-trip classes and preparation, and a 6-day trip. Trip participants learn how to run a wilderness trip by planning all aspects of the trip, including route, food, and equipment, and each participant is required to research and teach a class on a particular wilderness topic. Participants are required to attend all meetings and classes. The text for the course will be the Backpacker's Field Manual, written by Outdoor Action. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
The Backpacking Leader Training Course (LTC) is offered over Fall Break, Spring Break and after final exams in May. Over Fall and Spring Break we offer Leader Training in Fast Track format. Participants must have already completed wilderness first aid and CPR then all of the other parts of leader training take palce over break so your whole break is spent doing fun and exciting Outdoor Action activities.Course fee: $95 students, $120 faculty/staff. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
OA Leaders are strongly encouraged to become authorized van drivers. You must complete an online course and quiz on driving 15-passenger vans. Drivers must also complete a 30-minute road test. To gain access to the online course and schedule a road test see the Public Safety Office website for more information (http://webware.princeton.edu/pubsaf/Fleet.htm).
This fall Leader Training will be offered in Fast Track format. This means that all components of training other than first aid and CPR and will be held during Fall Break. First aid and CPR must be completed before Break. If you sign up to do Fast Track, plan to spend all of break doing leadership training. It's a great way to fit in all of the requirements and a fun way to spend a break!
*Section A (Monday and Wednesday class):
CPR: Monday, 9/24, 7 - 11 p.m., E. Pyne 219
All of the following classes will meet from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. in Jadwin Hall
A07. Wednesday, 9/26, Monday, 10/1, Wednesday, 10/3, Monday, 10/8, Wednesday,
10/10, Monday, 10/15
Final Exam: Wednesday, 10/17
*Section B (Tuesday and Thursday class):
CPR: Tuesday, 9/25, 7 - 11 p.m., E. Pyne 219
All of the following classes will meet from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. in Jadwin Hall
A07. Thursday, 9/27, Tuesday, 10/2, Thursday, 10/4, Tuesday, 10/9, Thursday,
10/11, Tuesday, 10/16
Final Exam: Thursday, 10/18
Saturday, 10/27, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Frist Multipurpose Room
Saturday, 10/27, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Location TBA
Sunday, 10/28, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.,
Frist Multipurpose Room
Pre-trip Classes: Monday, 10/29, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Trip: Tuesday, 10/30 - Sunday, 11/4
See the Public Safety Website for information (http://webware.princeton.edu/pubsaf/Fleet.htm)
Adult CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an important skill to have as a member of a community. This American Red Cross course will teach you to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults. Course fee: $16. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Tuesday, 10/2, 7-11 p.m.,
Adult CPR Refresher: These American Red Cross refresher courses are for anyone who needs to update certification. You must be currently certified or recently expired. Course fee: $16. Sign up at the OA TripStore.
Wednesday, 10/17, 7 - 9 p.m., 309 Frist
OA is sponsoring a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course during Intersession in January taught by Wilderness Medical Associates. This is an excellent course for anyone spending extended periods in wilderness or remote environments including backpackers, paddlers, climbers, photographers, and scientists. This 84-hour course is specifically designed to emphasize the wilderness context—remote locations, severe environments, and simple improvised equipment. The course will cover patient examination and evaluation, body systems and anatomy, trauma care, environmental emergencies, splints, wilderness rescue, and backcountry medicine. This is an intensive course that meets 10 hours each day with morning lectures and afternoon skills practice including simulated rescues, daily quizzes and a final exam. The course will run from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day. The course will be held at the Princeton-Blairstown Center in northern New Jersey. At the Center participants will stay in rustic cabins. The cost of the course includes transportation, lodging and meals. Participants will depart for Blairstown on Friday, 1/25/2002. The course will run from Saturday, 1/26/2002 through noon on Sunday, 2/3/2002. Preference will be given to OA Leaders and Leaders-in-training. Course fee: OA Leaders $250, Princeton students $400, faculty/staff $500, outside the University $675. Food and Lodging: $100 for the week. Sign up at the OA TripStore. Sign ups at this time are only open to the Princeton University community.
Depart for Blairstown: Friday evening 1/25
Course: Saturday, 1/25 - Sunday, 2/3
Outdoor Action's Equipment Room (ER) is located on the bottom floor of 48 University Place, facing the Foulke Hall quad. The ER is open two evenings a week while classes are in session. Any member of the campus community may rent equipment. Rental costs are minimal. Please come and visit! Call with any questions, 8-6417. PUID required.
Tuesdays, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursdays, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
All online information at the Outdoor Action Web Site is protected by copyright laws. You may set up links to material found at the Outdoor Action Web Site. Printed versions of the material may be distributed for nonprofit educational use as long as no fees are charged for the material, attributions are made to the author, and no content changes are made. Commercial use of this material either in electronic or printed form is prohibited without express written permission from the author. Copyright © 1995 - 2004, all rights reserved, Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University. Send your comments and suggestions on the OA Web Site to Outdoor Action